Having started her journey at ISU during the COVID-19 pandemic, Katie Helmink is now a senior completing her degree in chemistry. Originally from Breese, Helmink received the 2023 Redbird Chemistry Fellowship, the 2023 Summer FIREbird grant, and the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship. All three fund undergraduate research.
Outside of her academics, Helmink is the president of the Chemistry Club, which provides social and professional development activities for those interested in chemistry. She is also the treasurer of Procraftinators, which is a fiber art, crochet, knitting, and embroidery, registered student organization at ISU.
This past summer, Helmink conducted research at Julian Hall under the guidance of her mentor, Dr. Lisa Szczepura. As a junior, Helmink co-authored a publication in a rigorously peer-reviewed journal and presented at a national meeting of the American Chemical Society.
“The Department of Chemistry at Illinois State is relatively small compared to other departments, which benefits its students,” Helmink said of the major that graduated 11 students last May. “The professors are always willing to help and create a very encouraging educational environment.”
The summer research experience allowed Helmink to expand upon the foundational knowledge of metal cluster complexes she gained in the classroom. The hands-on research opportunity helped her learn to perform complex laboratory procedures, such as working in an inert atmosphere glovebox.
Helmink demonstrated the value of the research opportunity during the application process for all three scholarships. She and student peer Sage Lauper-Cook were among 413 students who received the Goldwater Scholarship nationwide. Helmink was one of 17 Illinois State students to receive the summer 2023 FIREbird Grant.
“I want to thank everyone who took the time to write references and provide feedback to improve my application,” Helmink said. “I applied because it’s a prestigious scholarship for those looking to continue their education in science.”
Student research at Illinois State allows students to gain experience in their area of study, while also developing new skills and insight to benefit their post-graduation lives and careers.
“Donor support is especially important for STEM students since summer funding for undergraduates is limited,” said Helmink. “Without the support from the Department of Chemistry, the Office of Student Research, and generous donors, I would not have been able to devote as much in the lab this summer to learning new techniques and collecting data.”
This year, 28 of the 7,088 incoming Redbirds have declared a chemistry major. To fund opportunities for students like Helmink, visit Giving.IllinoisState.edu/opportunities/college-arts-science or contact Senior Director of Development Kate Childs at kachild1@IllinoisState.edu or 309-438-7682
